The Seven Factors of Awakening

Open to experienced and new practitioners

Registration closes on November 3, 2026. If joining after this date, please contact us.

In Buddhist practice we often investigate the nature of suffering and how to diminish it. Yet the Buddha also emphasized developing the wholesome, life-affirming qualities that bring ease, joy, and clarity to the heart and mind. These qualities are not luxuries on the path—they are the very conditions that support wisdom and liberation.

One of the Buddha’s most beautiful teachings on these positive qualities is the Seven Factors of Awakening: mindfulness, investigation, energy, joy, calm, concentration, and equanimity. As we nurture these factors, they naturally balance and strengthen one another, opening the way to deep insight and peace.

During this retreat, we’ll explore how the seven factors are already present in us, though we may often overlook them in daily life. Through mindfulness and reflection, we’ll learn to recognize their presence, allowing them to naturally strengthen and deepen—both on the cushion and in the flow of our daily activities.

Our time together will include sitting and walking practice, dharma talks, small-group meetings, and mindful, compassionate community in the peaceful mountain setting of Big Bear Retreat Center. Whether you are new to retreat practice or an experienced meditator, this retreat offers a supportive environment to deepen presence, awaken joy, and rest in the stillness of the heart.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS RETREAT

This is a silent mindfulness retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, and practice discussion with the teachers.

This will be a hybrid online retreat. The teachings in the meditation hall will be live-streamed for online participants. Visit this page to sign up for the online retreat.

Learn more ABOUT RETREAT & SEE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE.

GENEROSITY: Retreat Costs and Fees

Registration fees for this retreat support the cost of developing and offering BBRC programs, which include lodging, meals, and staff compensation. Teacher compensation is not included in your registration fees. We price fees to make programs as financially accessible as possible.

As part of this tradition, many meditation teachers (including the teachers of this retreat) offer their teachings without set fees or compensation. As a practice of generosity from the heart, participants are invited to offer “teacher dana” (donations-generosity) to the teachers at the end of the retreat. It is encouraged but not required. Learn more about dana here.

Is cost a barrier? Nobody is turned away at Big Bear Retreat Center due to finances. We ask that financial assistance be prioritized for those who self-identify as BIPOC, hold marginalized identities, or are in financial need. For more information, please contact us at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org.

SIMPLE YET COMFORTABLE, NESTLED IN NATURE

Accommodations

We offer several lodging choices nestled in nature for each retreat.

Meals

Our meals are freshly prepared to support your retreat experience.

Preparing for your retreat

We offer several resources and information to best help you plan your time on retreat with us.

Getting to BBRC

We have several resources to support your travel. Visit Getting to BBRC & Rideshares and Shuttles for more.

FEEL WELCOME AND INCLUDED: A PLACE TO BELONG

Our intention is to be as accessible as we can, even in ways that we may not be aware of yet. We hope this is a space of inclusivity where people feel welcome and held. For us, it is a practice of consistent attunement, presence and care to our community. However you identify – race, gender, sexuality, disability, mental health, and so on – it is our wish to meet your needs for belonging.

Please consider this about our environment:

– The center is on a hill with outdoor walkways between dining, gathering, and residential spaces.

– We are located at an elevation of 6,500 feet altitude in a ski town in the mountains of Southern California.

– We experience weather of all four seasons.

– We are located about 2 hours from Los Angeles and near 3 major airports. Learn more about getting here.

– We have a commitment to everyone’s mobility needs. Please contact us about ADA accessibility.

Visit our Planning Your Retreat page to learn more about accessibility and other resources. Contact us if we can support ahead of time.

HEAR MORE ABOUT BIG BEAR RETREAT CENTER

Big Bear Retreat Center is exceptional in every way. The accommodations are outstanding, food exceptional, staff very responsive and helpful and the teachers are always so loving and knowledgeable. Just a top notch retreat experience!! – Sheila

I love Big Bear Retreat Center. It’s my dharma home away from home. Everything about it – staff, teachers, food, accommodations, setting – is exceptional. A true gift to the community!!

Big Bear Retreat Center is indeed a refuge. A safe space to open your heart. – Laura